Sidi Ergo 1 Carbon

Price Paid:  $65.00 at ebay

Favorite Ride:
Uphill

Bike Setup:
carbon campy Bianchi with Mav. OP's; my do everything race bike.

Summary:
Well, I took a chance and got a set of the Limited Edition Ergo 1's off of ebay, used from a biker guy in Hawaii. They were scuffed a bit, but functionally perfect. I pored over sizing online, and based on narrow feet preferring sidi type shoes, took a gamble.

This is my first pair of road shoes and I don't think I'll ever need to buy anything else.

They are comfortable over any distance. No hotspots whatsoever, great comfort. The components (carbon sole, heal pad, everything) is replaceable on the shoe if it wears out. They are lightweight. Stiff. Pro caliber for sure; after all, pros ride these shoes.

They do everything a road shoe could for me. I'd never pay the new price for em, but if price is no object there's nothing better.

Strengths:
everything; weight, stiffness, comfort, durability, and LOOKS HOT D@MN

Weaknesses:
nothing i've found yet

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $0.00 at bike tires direct

Bike Setup:
Trek Madone sl 5.2 w/ dura ace wheelset. Ultegra pedals

Summary:
This is for the ERGO 2. I had the chance to directly compare these to the 2006 Specialized Pro Carbon and the 2006 Pearl Izumi Carbon over several thousand kilometers of riding. The PI shoe quickly fell out of the running because it rubbed the top of foot in a harsh manner (didn't fit well). In shorter rides, the Sidi and Specialized faired well. Both are stiff and comfortable. The Specialized have much better insoles, which I ended up putting in the Sidi. The top of the tongue on both shoes are nicely padded and comfortable on the up-stroke. Both shoes transfer energy very well. Both shoes look great (I have black)appear to be well made with good finish. The Sidi shoes are more precisely adjustable. Ultimately, however, the Sidi's won for long rides. They are more comfortable after 200k. I rode a century or greater every weekend for the past 5 weeks, and my feet felt better in the Sidi Ergos. Also, this is a minor point, the Sidi's are easier to walk in.

After about 3000 this spring, I find myself reaching for the Sidi Ergos while the Specialized collect dust.

Strengths:
Light - Well Made - Comfortable for long rides - stiff

Weaknesses:
Cheap insole - expensive, but worth every penny.

Similar Products Used:
see above - also various Sidi mtb shoes, Lake road and mtb shoes. Various Shimano road shoes.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Seven Odonata with Shimano DA 10 speed and Mavic SSL Wheels

Summary:
I'm using the ERGO 2 carbon. It's the best shoes I've had so far. Great fit, good looking and the Sidi background. They're still Made in Italy.
That new heel cup thing is amazing. Very secure fit. You really feel ready for sprinting !!
Also the new all carbon sole is very stiff but without sacrifing confort.

Strengths:
FIT and Secure feeling. With this shoes you really feel connected to the pedals

Weaknesses:
Price, but you get what you paid for

Similar Products Used:
Carnac, Nike, Specialized but always come back to SIDI

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Veltec

Bike Setup:
2006 Felt F1C. Full Dura-Ace 10 speed. Reynolds Ouzo Pro w/ carbon steerer. Mavic Ksyrium ES, extra sexy with this frames color scheme. Continental GP Attack & Force. Specialized BG Toupe saddle. Time RXS Carbon Ti Pedals. 26g carbon cages. FSA K-Wing bar! Ritchey WCS seatpost. Ritchey WCS 4-axis stem. Stiff and light! Mid 15s...

Summary:
I will admit that one of the many reasons I bought these were because, they fit well into the master color plan: Red and Black. They look great.

I always knew Sidis were great shoes, but I never expected this much comfort. When I tighten up the ratchey too much, the arch of my foot starts to hurt. I'm hoping this will be relieved with a different sole? Otherwise they fit great. They are pricey though.

Strengths:
Weight. Stiffness. Comfort! Appearance.

Weaknesses:
Price maybe? Also, I heard there are stiffer shoes out there.

Similar Products Used:
Nothing comparable to this.

Price Paid:  $200.00 at Private Party

Bike Setup:
Carbon bike with Campy Chorus Pro-fit Plus pedals.

Summary:
I was fortunate to find these new at 50% off retail. I was initially impressed at the quality of construction. The ratchet and cable work well to tailor a custom fit. I previously used an all carbon Nike Poggio which I still think is stiffer. These shoes are plenty stiff where it counts and there is substantially more padding to keep my feet cushioned well. Since I have high arches, I replaced the inserts with a pair of Sole insoles to support my arches. I still get numb toes once in a while but I that has more to do with bike fit. My biggest problem with the shoes is that the left shoe is slightly larger and fits differently than the right. At $400 retail, you would think this wouldn't be a problem.

Strengths:
Well built shoe and plenty stiff where it counts. I've done about 1K miles and the shoe hasn't stretched much. Parts are replaceable which is great. The shoes look really cool with the pearl irridescent effect.

Weaknesses:
I can't believe that the left shoe is slightly larger than the right. It's not such a huge deal but you would think that quality control would be more stringent. The plastic under the toe scuffs easily when trying to clip in.

Similar Products Used:
Northwave, Nike Poggio